Protecting yourself from respiratory illnesses

In colder weather, respiratory illnesses are more likely to be circulating in our communities. We have put together this guide to help everyone reduce their risk of respiratory illnesses, including specific guidance for those with existing respiratory conditions.

Advice for people with health conditions

During the colder winter months many people who have respiratory conditions, such as COPD and asthma, could experience worsening symptoms for longer periods. To help protect your respiratory health, our experts are reminding patients how important it is to have the correct inhaler technique which will make a significant difference to any asthma or COPD patient because it helps to ensure the medicine gets into the lungs, where it’s needed to work. This is important to enable people to manage their lung disease effectively.

Cold dry air can irritate the airways, causing them to narrow and constrict air flow which can cause asthma or COPD attacks. To help patients to manage their condition our seven-step guide focuses on how patients can improve how their medication is taken and also reinforces how important having the correct technique is to alleviate an attack, ease symptoms, and prevent requiring emergency hospital treatment.

We also encourage anyone with a lung disease to have an asthma action plan and to regularly book an inhaler review with their community pharmacy or GP practice, to make sure that they have the best type of inhaler for their needs and to confirm that their inhaler technique is correct. This is especially important in the winter months when there are more viruses such as cold and flu within our communities that can cause lung diseases to flare up, triggering an attack. People can find out more and view the resources available, by visiting:    

www.leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/inhalers/.

Advice for everyone

At this time of year, it’s important that everyone is aware how they can help prevent viruses from circulating and to know what to do if they or someone they care for becomes unwell.

Winter viruses such as colds and flu usually get better by themselves, but they can become much more serious for some people, particularly babies and older adults.

These viruses are easily passed on when someone coughs or sneezes. People can reduce their chances of catching a virus or passing it to someone else by:

• Cleaning toys or surfaces regularly
• Avoiding touching thier eyes, nose or mouth if their hands are not clean
• Throwing away used disposable tissues as soon as they’ve used them
• Keeping newborn babies away from anyone with a cold or the flu.

Get vaccinated

The local NHS also encourages people to take up the offer of any vaccinations that they are eligible for this winter, such as flu, RSV, Covid-19 and the pneumococcal vaccine.  

Vaccinations help protect those that need it most from becoming seriously unwell and requiring hospital treatment. Pneumonia and other serious illnesses can develop from these viruses which could be particularly harmful for already vulnerable people. It’s important to remember that the immunity you have built up from previous vaccinations reduces over time and may not be as effective against new variants.

Our local online vaccination hub provides full information about how to book an appointment or find a walk-in clinic across LLR, where people can attend with no appointment necessary. For a full list of all the ways to get vaccinated click here: www.leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/how-to-get-your-vaccine/

To find out more about vaccinations and all the recommended NHS vaccines to protect you and your family this winter, visit: https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/vaccinations/